The 2018 Anderson Golf Classic for the Fight Against Heroin and Opioid Addiction

The rain poured, but that did not deter the participants in this year’s 5th Annual Anderson Golf Classic at the Fredericksburg Country Club on June 22nd, 2018.

All teams arrived in the morning for registration, sponsored gift bags and breakfast. The teams teed off and the competition began with only a short delay. The tournament finished up around 1 pm, followed by a delicious lunch which the golfers enjoyed during the awards and raffle ceremony.

Awards were given to the longest drive and closest to the pin for a few holes which were sponsored by some of our guests. There were a few fun competitions at this year's classic, because who doesn't like a little friendly competition? The winners lucked out with this year's prizes! Prizes included golfing equipment, Yeti coolers and a Big Green Egg with EGGcessories!

All of the proceeds for this year's Classic are being donated to Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office program, Fight Against Heroin and Opioid Addiction. Captain Chuck Carey and 1st Sgt. Murdock Woodard of Spotsylvania County spoke about their program during the event and took questions from the audience. At the end of the ceremony, awards for the top three teams were presented followed by a gracious speech made by Mark Anderson.

The Anderson family, which has been affected personally by this epidemic, like so many other local families, hope to bring awareness to all about the dangers of opioid addiction through the Fight Against Heroin and Opioid Addiction program. Politicians, law enforcement officers and public health officials have tried to stem the growing tide of opioid overdoses. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office plans to use these funds to facilitate awareness, education, and provide support for our area.

As with much of our nation, more and more Virginians have become addicted to these drugs and many have died. According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, opioids have claimed the lives of more than 2,500 people in Virginia. The number of opioid overdoses in Virginia has risen steadily over those years with 764 people having died in the last year, 325 people having died from heroin overdoses alone.

The Anderson Companies and family are incredibly appreciative for all of the generous donations. Not only did our participants donate when joining the event, but they participated in our raffles, donated gift items for all participants, purchased event polo shirts, donated gifts for the award ceremony, and some even returned their prizes for proceeds to be awarded back for such a worthy cause.

Thank you again to all who participated to make this year's Classic one to remember!